Many were curious about this collection of islands off the southeastern edge of Argentina - what was Argentina trying to invade 20 years ago?

What we found was a group of fiercely British people, proud of their Islands and a suprisingly healthy economy thanks to some savvy fishing licences for squid around the islands. For the casual visitor, The Falkland Islands are a bird lovers paradise with colourful birds everywhere. The gently rolling countryside, peppered with ubiquitous old British Landrovers and sheep, is reminsent of the Scottish Highlands and an atmosphere of peace and tranquility prevails. For further information about travelling there and what to see and do, visit the Falklands Tourism website.

Stanley
East Falkland Island

Stanley is the largest town and 'capital' of the Falkland Islands, with a population of about 2,050 people. The population decreases during winter, but is quite healthy during summer when numerous cruise ships stop in for a day.

Colourful buildings of Stanely
East Falkland Island

Two things dominate the Stanley skyline - old British landrovers and the bright turquoise, red, green, orange and blue rooftops on white buildings. Against the yellow-green of the surrounding countryside, Stanley is a refreshing bright splash of colour.

Lone barn in Falklands countryside
East Falklands Island

The Falkland Islands comprise over 200 islands and with the two largest being East Falklands and West Falklands Island. Most of the countryside is dominated by tundra, sheep - and birds.

Near Gypsy Cove
East Falklands Island

The lasting legacy of the Falklands war with Argentina in 1982 seems to be land mines infest many of the beaches and lands surrounding Stanley and strategic parts of the islands. Gypsy Cove is an area near Stanley, which has largely been cleared of land mines, permitting a walk through a near undisturbed wilderness of tussock grass, moss, lichen stained rocks and steep cliffs covered with birds.

Tussock grass
East Falkland Islands

Tussock grass grows prolilfically throughout the Falkland Islands and can reach heights of 2m. The plants tend to grow up and out over several decades.

Homestead
New Island

New Island is located on the western side of the Falklands and is run by two naturalists, Tony Chater and Ian Strange. They live here all year round and welcome tourists throughout the summer months. Their island is a tranquil one with a large rookery or rockhopper penguins and black browed alabatross about 20 minutes walk from the landing beach.